Apple Watch will soon let you talk to Siri to use your apps

The next version of Apple Watchs software will let you talk to Siri via your smartwatch in order to interact with third-party applications, according to new developer documentation from Apple released on Tuesday. This will let you do things like order an Uber, send a message through a chat application, make a payment, and more.

The feature is one of a handful of enhancements expected to arrive in the upcoming operating system, watchOS 3.2, which will also introduce a Theater Mode option.

This lets you mute the sound on your watch and will disable the watchs ability to wake the screen when you raise your wrist. In other words, its a way to not annoy others when watching a movie, play or other performance in a darkened room when youre asked to silence your devices.

So far, third-party Apple Watch apps have largely failed to impress. Limited by the small screen, theres not much they can offer in the first place. And if someone wants to really use an app, after all, their iPhone is usually nearby.

Instead, the Apple Watch has excelled at being an alerts device. Its best for things like handling incoming calls and textsand, okay, maybe Pokmon sightings. It also works well as a passive means of data collection, like a step counter or workout tracker, for example. But when it comes to apps, wearerswould rather use their bigger-screened, more functional devices.

With the new SiriKit integration, apps may be able to forge a comeback on the platform. Imagine being able to say, Siri, get me an Uber to your watch, while leaving your iPhone in your pocket or purse. Then, as the car arrives, your watch notifies you with a notification and haptic feedback.

Of course, you could already do things like order an Uber via Apple Watch before today, but youd have to tap around on the small screen to make that happen. Siri could make the process much more seamless.

SiriKit was already available on iPhone and iPad in iOS 10, but Apple Watchmay be the most useful platform for the functionality.

According to Apples release notes on watchOS 3.2, not all apps will be able to take advantage of Siri integration, however. Instead, it will only be available to those in select domains, including messaging, payments, ride booking, workouts, calling and searching photos.

A new build of watchOS wasnt among Apples suite of beta releases yesterday, when the company rolled out updated versions of iOS, macOS and tvOS to its developer community. However, Apple did publish the watchOS 3.2 Whats New guide, which indicates a beta build is soon coming.